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Johnson reports, excited to join Rays

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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- New free-agent acquisition Kelly Johnson reported to camp on Wednesday. The infielder/outfielder explained that being on the other side against the Rays attracted him to the organization. He also offered a story about when he played for the D-backs and Kirk Gibson took over as the team's manager.

"All of a sudden during Spring Training, we're watching film on how to run a first-and-third play and how to run a bunt play, things like that," Johnson said. "We're watching a lot of Rays film on how to do it. I think that's coaches and Joe [Maddon] himself. They establish great fundamental teams and guys who can do everything.

"They can hit-and-run, bunt, drive in a run, steal bases, they can do everything -- and it's tough to prepare for. If you're playing a game and even if you're winning, you're kind of nervous about what the Rays are going to do. 'When are they going to come back? When is this going to happen?' It never is a matter of if, it's when."